Scratched, dented or buckled your alloy wheels? You are not alone. Damaged alloys are one of the most common issues UK drivers face. The good news is that repair is often much cheaper than replacement.
In this guide, we break down what you can expect to pay for alloy wheel repair in 2026. We also explain what affects the price and why getting repairs done before your summer road trips is a smart move.
What Does Alloy Wheel Repair Actually Cost?
The cost of alloy wheel repair depends on the type of damage and the finish of your wheel. Here is a quick overview of typical prices in 2026:
| Repair Type | Price Per Wheel |
|---|---|
| Scuff and scratch repair | £50 – £80 |
| Dented alloy wheel repair | £60 – £100 |
| Buckled wheel straightening | £80 – £120 |
| Crack repair and welding | £90 – £150 |
| Diamond cut refurbishment | £90 – £150 |
| Full powder coat refurbishment | £80 – £130 |
These prices are for professional workshop repairs. Mobile repair services may charge slightly less for minor cosmetic fixes, but cannot handle structural damage like buckles or cracks.
What Affects the Price of Alloy Wheel Repair?
Several factors can push your repair bill up or down.
Type of Damage
Simple scuffs from kerbing are the cheapest to fix. Dented alloy wheel repair costs a bit more because it requires specialist equipment. A buckled wheel needs hydraulic straightening on a specialist machine, which takes more time and skill.
Cracks are the most serious issue. They need expert welding and careful inspection to make sure the wheel is safe.
Wheel Size
Bigger wheels cost more to repair. A 15-inch wheel is quicker and easier to work on than a 22-inch wheel from a Range Rover. Larger wheels also use more materials during the refinishing process.
Type of Finish
Standard painted alloys are the cheapest to repair. Diamond cut alloys cost more because they need to be machined on a lathe before a protective lacquer is applied. This process requires specialist equipment that not every garage has.
Powder coating gives a tough, long-lasting finish. It costs a bit more upfront but holds up better over time. At Alloy Fix, we use high-quality powder coating that comes with a 3-year warranty.
Number of Wheels
Most repair specialists offer discounts when you repair all four wheels at once. This makes sense because the setup time stays the same whether they are doing one wheel or four.
Repair vs Replacement: Which Is Better Value?
A brand new alloy wheel can cost anywhere from £150 to over £1,000, depending on the make and model of your car. Premium brands like Porsche, BMW and Audi often have wheels at the higher end of that range.
Alloy wheel repairs typically cost a fraction of replacement prices. Even a full diamond cut refurbishment is usually cheaper than buying a new wheel.
The only time replacement makes sense is when a wheel is too badly damaged to repair safely. A good repair shop will tell you honestly if your wheel is beyond saving.
Why Fix Your Wheels Before Summer?
Summer is road trip season. Whether you are heading to Cornwall, the Lake District or catching a ferry to France, your wheels will be working hard.
Damaged wheels can cause several problems:
Safety risks – A buckled wheel affects how your car handles. It can cause vibrations at speed and put extra strain on your suspension. According to the UK Government MOT inspection manual, a badly distorted wheel is classified as a dangerous defect and will fail your MOT.
Tyre wear – A buckled or bent wheel causes uneven tyre wear. This means you will need to replace your tyres sooner, adding to your costs.
Air leaks – Kerb damage and cracks can cause slow punctures. This is especially annoying on a long journey when you keep having to stop and inflate your tyres.
Getting your wheels fixed now means you can enjoy your summer trips without worrying about breakdowns or MOT failures.
What About a Buckled Wheel?
A buckled wheel happens when your alloy hits something hard, like a pothole or kerb at speed. The impact warps the metal, causing the wheel to wobble.
Signs of a buckled wheel include vibration through the steering wheel, poor handling and uneven tyre wear.
The good news is that most buckled wheels can be straightened. At Alloy Fix, our expert technicians fix up to 99% of all buckles using specialist hydraulic equipment. We check each wheel carefully to make sure it meets safety standards before returning it to you.
Buckled wheel repair typically costs between £80 and £120 per wheel. Compare that to £300 or more for a replacement wheel and the savings are clear.
Get your free quote today
How to Get the Best Value
Here are some tips for getting quality repairs at a fair price:
Get multiple quotes – Prices vary between repair shops. Get at least two or three quotes before committing.
Check the warranty – A good repair shop stands behind their work. Alloy Fix offers a 3-year warranty on all powder coating and diamond cut services.
Look at reviews – Check Google and Facebook reviews to see what other customers say. Hundreds of 5-star reviews are a good sign.
Ask about loan wheels – Some shops offer loan wheels so you can keep driving while your alloys are being repaired. This is handy if you need your car every day.
Consider all four wheels – If one wheel is damaged, the others might be too. Getting all four done at once often works out cheaper per wheel.
Ready to Get a Quote?
If your wheels need some attention before summer, now is the time to act. At Alloy Fix, we offer free, no-obligation quotes for all types of alloy wheel repair.
Our workshops in Romford, Dartford and Hemel Hempstead are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery. Our expert technicians handle everything from minor scuffs to serious structural repairs.
Get in touch today for a free quote. Call us on 01708 728438 (Romford) or 01322 617458 (Dartford), or use our online price calculator at alloy-fix.com.
